The Internal Protection (IP) standard describes a system for classifying the degrees of protection provided by the enclosures of electrical equipment. Developed by the European committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC), these standards are designed to numerically rate an electrical product on the level of protection it's enclosure provides. By assigning different number codes, the product's degree of protection can be identified quickly and easily.

The IP Rating Scale is defined as follows:

1st number of the rating can change from 0-6 and indicates the degree of protection with respect to persons and solid objects.

Therefore, it is explained that a NetShelter SX or SV cabinet meets the rating scale of IP20; protects against solid objects of greater than 12 mm and does not offer and protection against water. And a NetShelter CX cabinet meets the rating scale of IP44; protects against solid objects greater than 1.0 mm and offers protection against splashing water. Plus, if the optional dust filters are used the CX will protect against dust and splashing water, which meets the rating scale of IP54.